View source for Saleae Logic Analyser

[[File:Saleae Logic 8 Analyser.png|thumb]]
=== What is the Logic 8? ===

The Saleae Logic 8 is a compact, USB-powered logic analyser (with limited mixed-signal oscilloscope functionality) designed for capturing and analysing digital signals—and, to a certain extent, analogue signals. It connects to your computer via USB and uses Saleae’s proprietary software to display, record, and decode various communication protocols (SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, etc.) as well as analogue waveforms.

The Saleae Logic 8 Analyser was donated as part of the Love Essex Fund in 2025.

As part of the purchase, the following was provided:

Wire Harness - 2x4 to Test Clips (Channels 0-3)

Wire Harness - 2x4 to Test Clips (Channels 4-7)

Test Clips 8-Pack (Gen 2)

Logic-to-2x4 Header (Gen 2)

Nano-size Test Clip - for leads < .025 inch diameter (< .64 mm) (x4)

=== Key Functions ===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left:10px;"
|+ '''Logic 8'''
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Inputs
|-
| Multi-Use (A/D/Both)
| 8
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Digital
|-
| Sample Rate (max)
| 100 MS/s
|-
| Fastest Digital Signal
| 25 MHz
|-
| Sample Depth (max)
| 10+ Billion
|-
| Supported Logic Levels
| 1.8 V – 5.5 V
|-
| Works with RS‑232, 422/3, 485
| Yes
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Analog
|-
| Sample Rate (max)
| 10 MS/s
|-
| Bandwidth (3 dB)
| 5 MHz
|-
| Input Range
| ±5 V
|-
| Input Voltage Range
| 0 V to 5 V
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Included
|-
| Test Lead Set
| x2
|-
| Test Clips 8‑Pack
| x2
|-
| USB Cable and Carry Case
| Yes
|-
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| Physical
|-
| Size
| 2.1″ × 2.1″ × 0.46″ (53 × 53 × 12 mm)
|-
| Weight
| 2.1 oz (60 g)
|-
| USB
| Yes
|-
| USB Type
| USB 2.0
|}

* Digital Signal Capture

It can sample up to eight channels of digital data at speeds of up to 100 MS/s, enabling you to observe and debug digital circuits in (near) real-time.

* Analogue Monitoring

In addition to digital signals, the Logic 8 can capture analogue waveforms at up to 10 MS/s (with a 5 MHz bandwidth). Whilst it isn’t a fully featured oscilloscope, it can help with basic analogue signal observation.

* Protocol Decoding

The Saleae software automatically decodes many common communication protocols (SPI, I²C, UART, etc.), which saves considerable time when troubleshooting complex serial data.

=== Built-In Protocol Decoding & Analysis ===
Standard oscilloscopes can display waveforms but often require expensive software add-ons for protocol decoding. The Logic 8 software includes decoders for many protocols, making it far simpler to pinpoint exactly where digital communication issues occur.

* Deep Memory & Extended Capture Times

Many logic analysers (including the Logic 8) can record a large number of samples (10+ billion, limited mainly by your PC’s memory), allowing long-duration captures. By contrast, standalone oscilloscopes often have more limited onboard memory, restricting the length of time you can record at high sample rates.

* Portable, Compact Design

The Logic 8 is very small and lightweight—easy to slip into a laptop bag. This portability is particularly advantageous if you move between different workstations or need to debug in the field.

* Computer Integration & User-Friendly Software

Because the device is controlled via your computer, you can make use of a larger screen, intuitive zoom and scroll controls, and straightforward data saving/sharing. Saleae’s software is known for being easy to use and offers features such as advanced searching, markers, and triggers to streamline debugging.

=== When a traditional oscilloscope might still be preferable ===
High-Frequency Analogue Signals: If you need to measure signals beyond the Logic 8’s bandwidth or you require detailed analogue analysis (e.g., sub-nanosecond rise times), a high-bandwidth oscilloscope is more appropriate.

Precise Analogue Measurements: Oscilloscopes typically provide a higher-resolution vertical scale, multiple input ranges, and better signal integrity for in-depth analogue analysis.